Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia is driven by a single goal; to change the narrative for persons with disabilities by doing our part in raising awareness and taking action on disability issues. The events and initiatives hosted during this week are informed by first voice using a disability lens to ensure inclusion and accessibility for everyone.

Nova Scotia was the first province in Canada to champion Access Awareness Week as an extension of Rick Hansen’s 1987 Man in Motion World Tour. During this initiative Rick and his team wheeled through 34 countries raising awareness about the potential of people with disabilities and the possibility of creating accessible and inclusive communities.

For 38 years, Nova Scotians have organized community events, press conferences, forums, concerts and lectures during Access Awareness Week to bring attention to the importance of removing barriers for people with disabilities. Through public awareness, community partnerships education and dialogue, Access Awareness Week aims to foster an environment of equitable participation for persons with disabilities.

The pioneering work of the disability community has made significant advances in the past, but much work remains to fully recognize the rights of all Nova Scotians and create a barrier-free province by 2030. Access Awareness Week gives Nova Scotians a chance to learn about the work of disability advocates and leaders across the province, while better understanding the barriers that still exist for persons with disabilities (NSLEO, 2025).

Accessibility at ECRL

As a Prescribed Public Sector Body (PPSB), ECRL is legally mandated to meet accessibility standards as outlined by the Province. We have been working with our municipal partners to improve accessibility at our locations, and have implemented improvements like:

• Rick Hansen Certification in Petit-de-Grat Public Library
• Accessibility Audit of Cheticamp Public Library
• Increased collections related to accessibility, disability, and inclusion
• Increased collections in accessible formats (audiobooks, ebooks, etc.)
• Installation of automatic doors in Sherbrooke Public Library

Check out our 2025 Accessible Reading List to find new titles, authors, and topics related to accessibility and inclusion.

ECRL Accessibility Advisory Committee: Now Recruiting!

ECRL is recruiting members for the Accessibility Advisory Committee. 

• Are you passionate about your community?
• Do you want to help guide accessible library services?
• Do you have lived experience or self-identify as having a disability?
• Can you commit to joining virtual meetings three times a year?

Contact Michelle for more information at (902)227-7584 or email access@ecrl.ca.